Cystitis & Summer: What Health Experts Want You To Know

As the temperature starts to change, health experts are calling for people to be aware of what this fluctuation in weather conditions can mean for bladder health and cystitis risk.

Dr Janine David, Women’s Health expert and adviser to Effercitrate Tablets, says: “While UTIs and cystitis can strike year-round, the transitional summer weather brings its own unique challenges.

“There is a clear seasonal pattern when it comes to UTI prevalence, with data showing hospital admissions peaking higher between May and October. Other studies also show that warmer weather increases the risk for UTIs.

“For those who regularly experience cystitis, they will be aware that as the sun comes out, and temperatures and humidity increase, combined with more outdoor activity, bladder sensitivity can be triggered and increase the risk of uncomfortable cystitis flare-ups.”

Noel Wicks, Pharmacist and adviser to Effercitrate Tablets, adds: “Summer time conditions create the perfect environment for increased cystitis risk.

“During these months, temperatures fluctuate significantly. It may be chilly and damp one day, then warm and sunny the next. Even in a single day, we can jump from what has been cloudy, colder days to warm, hot temperatures and mini heatwaves.  These shifts can impact hydration levels, immune function and bacterial growth, all of which play a role in cystitis risk.”

Why summer can cause havoc for cystitis

• Temperature Fluctuations: Going from a long, cold, rainy winter to warmer days means the body has to adjust.

Noel Wicks, Pharmacist, says: “Naturally, we will sweat more, and this includes in the groin area, which can encourage bacterial growth. Warm, moist environments encourage bacterial growth, and for individuals prone to cystitis, even small environmental changes can upset the delicate balance of bacteria around the urinary tract.”

• Dehydration: As we become more active through the summer and activity levels increase, hydration levels don’t always keep pace. Dr Janine David says: “If we are dehydrated, this means that urine can become more concentrated, we pee less often, and these combined can mean the bladder gets irritated and the natural flushing of bacteria isn’t working as well”

• Increase in exercise plus outdoor activity: Longer, sunnier, lighter days naturally give way to people wanting to be outside more and exercising.

Noel Wicks, Pharmacist, says: “Swimming, walking, hiking, running and gym sessions are great for our health, but they can also contribute to cystitis risk due to tight clothing, which traps moisture, or damp swimwear that isn’t changed immediately.” 

• Intimacy: Summertime also means we are more social, take holidays and are more intimate. Dr Janine David says, “Estimates show that sex-induced cystitis accounts for around 60% of recurrent cases.

“As cystitis is mostly caused by bacteria from the rectum, movements during sex move these bacteria up the urethra into the bladder.”

What is cystitis?

UTIs are one of the most common health ailments that people present with at GP surgeries or pharmacies, and account for 23% of all infections.

Cystitis is a common urinary tract condition:

• 50-60% of women and 12-14% of men will experience a UTI at least once.
• Around a third of females will have experienced cystitis by the time they reach the age of 24.
• One in three women will go on to suffer recurrent cystitis.

Cystitis is a form of urinary tract infection (UTI), and the UK Health Security Agency [UKHSA] data shows that in 2023–24, UTIs were linked to nearly200,000 hospital admissions and more than £600 million in healthcare costs in England alone.¹⁰

Symptoms of this often-painful UTI include:

• Burning or stinging when you pee
• Needing to pee regularly, but passing only a little or no urine
• Pain in the lower tummy
• Cloudy, dark or strong-smelling urine
• Incontinence
• A high temperature and generally not feeling well.

5 Self-care Tips To Tackle Summertime Cystitis

1. Stay hydrated: As we enjoy the summer sun, we may forget that we need to up our fluid intake as temperatures increase. Staying hydrated is key, as dehydration can unbalance the pH of urine, leading to cystitis.

The recommendation is that we should be aiming to drink 6 to 8 cups or glasses of fluid a day. Being hydrated will generally make you pee more often, flushing the bacteria out.

2. Wear breathable clothing: Opt for cotton underwear as it is soft and allows the vagina to breathe. It’s best to stay clear of tight-fitting jeans or trousers, and if you’re wearing tight clothes at the gym, don’t delay in changing after exercise to reduce the chance of bacteria.

3. Watch out for allergens: Summer allergens may contribute to inflammation and immune stress, which can all be triggers when it comes to cystitis. Managing seasonal conditions such as hay fever symptoms effectively can help support overall resilience.

4. Self-Care sense: Effercitrate Tablets are available without the need for a prescription or a urine sample and help soothe the bladder and urethral lining, relieving discomfort caused by cystitis

5. Eat gut-support foods: Maintain healthy gut microbes to support your immune function and reduce the risk of infection. A balanced diet rich in fruit, vegetables and fibre supports healthy gut bacteria and immune function. Fermented foods such as live yoghurt or kefir, alongside probiotic supplements, may help maintain microbial balance.

Effercitrate: Self-Care 101

Effercitrate tablets provide a practical, soothing solution for cystitis symptoms. Available without prescription or urine testing, the lemon and lime-flavoured effervescent tablets contain potassium citrate, which helps make urine more alkaline.

This can ease irritation in the bladder and urethra, providing relief from burning discomfort.

How to use:

1. Dissolve two tablets in a glass of water.
2. Drink the solution to help soothe irritation.

Always read the label.

See your GP if:

• Your symptoms don’t improve within a few days.
• You get cystitis frequently.
• You have severe symptoms such as blood in your urine, a fever or pain in your side.
• You are pregnant and have symptoms of cystitis.
• You are a man and have symptoms of cystitis. Cystitis is much rarer in men than in women and can be a sign of more serious problems, such as kidney or bladder stones or prostate problems.
• Your child has symptoms of cystitis.

Your GP may test a sample of your urine to confirm a diagnosis of infection. For more information, visit www.effercitrate.co.uk